One of Cam Newton’s mottos is to #shinethrutheshade. During this week’s heat wave his motto would be #sweatthruthesun - and the current elevated temperatures aren’t preventing him from getting in some work with his guys.
In a video recently posted to his Instagram, the Patriots' quarterback is seen working out with some of his teammates -- wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and tight end Jonnu Smith. The video is simple and quick, more like a clip from a montage than a produced sequence. It’s likely posted to showcase the extra work Newton is getting in with his teammates in advance of arguably the most important training camp of his career. Maybe it’s the extra fuel from the haters keeping him out there in the heat.
For Newton and Patriots fans it’s great to see Smith back at work after sustaining a mild injury during mini-camp a few weeks back. The rapport Newton will need to establish with Smith, as well as new fellow tight end Hunter Henry, can’t be understated, as he didn’t have much in the tight end department to throw to in 2020 (sorry, Ryan Izzo - it’s nothing personal). Newton already has great chemistry with Meyers, who burst onto the scene and became not only the best Patriots receiver the second half of 2020, but also merited high grades from networks like Pro Football Focus.
Newton will need all the extra work he can get, not to just bounce back from a subpar 2020, but to hold off the charge from highly drafted rookie QB Mac Jones (aka “Mac n Cheese”), who Newton has acknowledged is trying to win the Patriots starting QB job. And with 2021 training camp set to open in just over three weeks Newton will likely be shining thru the shade thanks to all the sweating in the sun he’ll do with every receiver, back and teammate possible. Don’t be surprised if you see more of these posted until the first day of camp, then the battle really begins.
Patriots Training Camp 2021 begins officially July 25. For al the latest news on Cam Newton, the QB battle and al things Patriots make sure to tune into 93.7 FM WEEI and visit WEEI.com.
